Variable height arm structures, systems, and methods

ABSTRACT

Enhanced variable-height mounting arms comprise structures that allow any of improved cleanability and/or improved adjustment of height or counterbalancing. An exemplary enhanced variable-height arm comprises an upper shell structure that substantially extends over the upper and side regions of the mounting arm, forming a four-bar linkage. A lower cover is mounted to the upper cover across the bottom side of the arm, and defines holes therethrough for extension of the opposing ends of the arm. The variable-height arm further comprises a bias element, wherein one end of the bias element is adjustably fixable in relation to a defined curve, non-linear path or slot, such as within a curved slot. The variable-height arm may preferably further comprise a mechanism for adjusting any of the height or counterbalance for the structure.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/051,833 filed Mar. 18, 2011, the entirety of which is incorporatedherein by this reference thereto.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of mechanical arms. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to improved variable heightmechanical arm structures and processes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Mechanical arms are often used to support a wide variety of devices,such as but not limited to display screens, touch screens or monitors.Such mechanical arms may often provide any of stationary, adjustableand/or movable support, wherein positioning or movement may providelateral movement, rotation, tilt, and/or variation of height.

Mechanical arms are often used in a wide variety of biologicallysensitive environments, such as but not limited to hospitals,laboratories, medical and/or dental offices, and hospices. However, manyprior mechanical arms often include structures, e.g. such as but notlimited to covers, fasteners, trim, and/or pivots, that are readilycontaminated, such as by dirt, dust, grease, germs, blood, sweat,chemicals, and/or other materials. As well, such exposed mechanicalstructures are not highly or thoroughly cleanable.

As well, while some prior mechanical arms have provided adjustableheight, such arms are not typically designed for frequent adjustment andheavy use. For many such structures, screen movement is typicallysloppy, and joints loosen quickly. Furthermore, such designs typicallyinclude pinch points and/or exposed gaps, which are not readilycleanable.

It would therefore be advantageous to provide a mechanical arm structurethat reduces the risk of contamination. The development of such astructure would constitute a major technological advance. As well, itwould be further advantageous to provide such a structure that providesa high degree of cleanability. The development of such a structure wouldconstitute a further technological advance.

While some prior conventional mechanical arms have provided someadjustability over a range of angles, such designs do not offer highperformance over a full range of positions. For example, while amechanical arm may be adjusted to provide adequate support within acentral region of a range of motion for a monitor, adjustment of such anarm at a point toward the top of the range of motion often results intravel back downward towards center, unless friction of the assembly isincreased to retain the monitor at the desired high position. Similarly,adjustment of such an arm at a point toward the bottom of the range ofmotion often results in travel back upward towards center, unlessfriction of the assembly is increased to retain the monitor at thedesired low position.

Some prior mechanical arms having adjustable height have used gassprings having a pivot point at one end, which is mounted about a screwor bolt. Adjustment of the screw or bolt in such a configuration resultsin travel of the pivot point of the spring, along a line that iscollinear to the travel of axis of the bolt, such that the leverage,i.e. the mechanical advantage applied by the gas spring, changes for anyof different weights or different loads. In some such designs, the screwor bolt may be mounted at an angle to attempt to provide acceptablecounterbalancing for different weights.

It would therefore be advantageous to provide a mechanical arm structurethat provides a high degree of adjustability throughout a wide range ofmotion, without an undue requirement to apply friction to retain achosen position of the arm. The development of such a structure wouldconstitute a significant technological advance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Enhanced variable-height mounting arms comprise structures that allowany of improved cleanability and/or improved adjustment of height orcounterbalancing. An exemplary enhanced variable-height arm comprises anupper shell structure that substantially extends over the upper and sideregions of the mounting arm, forming a four-bar linkage. A lower coveris mounted to the upper cover across the bottom side of the arm, anddefines holes therethrough for extension of the opposing ends of thearm. The variable-height arm further comprises a bias element, whereinone end of the bias element is adjustably fixable in relation to adefined curve, non-linear path or slot, such as within a curved slot.The variable-height arm may preferably further comprise a mechanism foradjusting any of the height or counterbalance for the structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial side cutaway view of an exemplary enhanced variableheight arm;

FIG. 2 is a side view of an exemplary enhanced variable height arm;

FIG. 3 is a lower perspective view of an exemplary enhanced variableheight arm;

FIG. 4 is a partial side cutaway view of a portion of an exemplaryenhanced variable height arm;

FIG. 5 is a detailed side view of an exemplary adjuster box;

FIG. 6 is a partial assembly view of an adjuster box and adjuster blockof an exemplary enhanced variable height arm;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a structural assembly associated with anexemplary enhanced variable height arm;

FIG. 8 is a side view of a structural assembly associated with anexemplary enhanced variable height arm, wherein the adjustor block islocated in a first position in relation to an adjuster box;

FIG. 9 is a side view of a structural assembly associated with anexemplary enhanced variable height arm, wherein the adjustor block islocated in a second position in relation to an adjuster box;

FIG. 10 shows geometry associated with an exemplary enhanced variableheight arm and an associated mounting system;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an exemplary enhanced variable heightarm in a generally upward position;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an exemplary enhanced variable heightarm in a generally horizontal position;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an exemplary enhanced variable heightarm in a generally downward position;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a mounting structure having anexemplary enhanced variable height arm in a generally downward position;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a mounting structure having anexemplary enhanced variable height arm in a generally horizontalposition;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a mounting structure having anexemplary enhanced variable height arm in a generally upward position;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of an exemplary process associated with in situadjustment of an enhanced variable height arm;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of an exemplary process associated with in situcleaning for an enhanced variable height arm;

FIG. 19 is a schematic view of a mounting structure having an exemplaryenhanced variable height arm, wherein the structure is configured forconnection to a channel;

FIG. 20 is a schematic view of a mounting structure having an exemplaryenhanced variable height arm, wherein the structure is configured forconnection to a cart;

FIG. 21 is a schematic view of a mounting structure having an exemplaryenhanced variable height arm, wherein the structure is configured forconnection to a monitor having a bottom mount; and

FIG. 22 is a schematic view of a mounting structure having an exemplaryenhanced variable height arm and a rear extension arm, wherein thestructure is configured for connection to a channel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a partial side cutaway view of an exemplary enhanced variableheight arm 10, which may preferably comprise a gas springcounter□balanced height adjustable arm 10. FIG. 2 is a side view 80 ofan exemplary enhanced variable height arm 10. FIG. 3 is a lowerperspective view 100 of an exemplary enhanced variable height arm 10.The exemplary enhanced variable height arm 10 seen in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3may preferably comprise an outer structure 12 that preventscontamination and allows cleanability, such as for installation within ahospital environment. The enhanced variable height arm 10 is typicallyconfigured for and implemented within an arm system 300, e.g. 300 a(FIG. 14), such as for but not limited to support for a monitor 252(FIG. 10).

As seen in FIG. 1, an enhanced arm strut structure 20 extends from afirst inner end 21 a toward a second outer end 21 b, between an adjusterbox 30 and a mount arm 32. The mount arm 32 is suspended from theadjuster box 30 by a strut 34 and an upper shell 12, which are bothpivotably connected between the adjuster box 30 and the mount arm 32.The strut 34 is pivotably connected to the mount arm 32, such as by anouter strut pin or fastener 62, and pivotably connected to the adjustbox 30, such as by an inner strut pin or fastener 64. The adjuster box30 is pivotably connected to the upper shell 12 by one or more innerpins 44, while the mount arm 32 is pivotably connected to the uppershell 12 by one or more outer pins 43. A bias element 36, such as butnot limited to a gas spring 36, is also attached between the adjusterbox 30 and the mount arm 32, and is adjustable within a plurality ofpositions 150, e.g. 150 a-150 k (FIG. 5) with respect to the adjusterbox 30.

As seen in FIG. 2, the structure of the upper shell 12, as connectedbetween the outer pin 43 and the inner pin 44, in combination with themount arm 32, the adjuster box 30, and the strut 34, define and operateas a parallel, i.e. a 4-bar, linkage 94, wherein the front of the mountarm 32 may preferably maintain its angle through the range of motion. Insome embodiments of the enhanced variable height arm 10, the front ofthe mount arm 32 remains square, e.g. coplanar with respect to ahorizontal plane, or vertical with respect to an applied force 33, suchas within +1 degree up to 0 degrees down, under a full range of loadsand orientations.

The exemplary bias element 36 seen in FIG. 1 comprises a gas springstrut 36, such as available through Stabilus, Inc., of Colmar, Pa. Forexample, one current embodiment of the bias element 36 comprises a gasspring strut having an overall length of 9.72 inches, having a specifiedstroke of 85 mm, and a maximum applied force of 1,000 Newtons. While theexemplary bias element 36 seen in FIG. 1 comprises a gas spring strut36, other bias elements 36 may alternately be used, such as but notlimited to a coil spring struts 36, and may further comprise a dampingelement, such as but not limited to any of air damping, oil damping,elastomeric damping, or any combination thereof.

The mount arm 32 is typically connected to an external load, e.g. amonitor 252, wherein an applied force 33 is applied through the mountarm 32 to the arm strut structure 20. The arm strut structure 20 seen inFIG. 1 also comprises a pivot adjustment mechanism 50, wherein thelocation of the base pivot point 41 of the gas spring 36 is adjustable406 (FIG. 17) along a curved slot 40, such as defined through theadjuster box 30, to controllably counterbalance across the full range ofmotion for the variable height arm 10 and an attached external load 252(FIG. 10) in one or more desired positions 150 (FIG. 5).

The pivot adjustment mechanism 50 seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 isaccessible from the lower side 16 b of the enhanced variable height arm10, since the adjuster box 30 extends through the inner cover opening 26of the enhanced variable height arm 10, and provides access to a pivotadjustment screw 52. Therefore, the exemplary enhanced variable heightarm 10 seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 does not require a separate cover, suchas through the side, top, or rear of the inner end 21 a of the enhancedvariable height arm 10.

The adjuster block 60 is threadably engaged to a pivot adjustment screw52 having threads 140 (FIG. 4), wherein the pivot adjustment screw 52extends through the adjuster box 30, and is adjustable 174 (FIG. 6),such as by a tool 170 (FIG. 6), wherein the tool 170 may preferablycomprise any of a socket, hex key, screwdriver, or other driver, e.g. aTorx® driver.

Embodiments of the enhanced variable height arm 10 may preferably bespecified within a desired weight range, e.g. such as but not limited toattached monitors or screens 252 having a weight of 5 to 20 pounds,wherein the gas spring 36 is adjustable 406 along the curved slot 40, tocontrollably counterbalance the variable height arm 10 and attachedexternal load 310 over the specified weight range.

The exemplary enhanced variable height arm 10 seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2is substantially enclosed by the upper shell 12, wherein the upper shell12 extends from the inner end 21 a to the outer end 21 b, and comprisesopposing sides 82 a,82 b that extend downward from the upper side 16 atoward the lower side 16 b, such that an interior region 14 is definedwithin.

In the exemplary enhanced variable height arm 10 seen in FIG. 1 and FIG.2, each of the opposing sides 82 a,82 b of the upper shell 12 include anouter pin hole 84 and an inner pin hole 86 defined there through,wherein the adjuster box 30 and the mount arm 32 are rotatably affixedwithin the interior 14 of the shell 12. For example, opposing outer pins43 are typically pressable though the outer pin holes 84 and intocorresponding inner pin holes 38 in the mount arm 32. Similarly,opposing inner pins 44 are typically pressable though the inner pinholes 86 and into corresponding inner holes 42 in the adjuster box 30.

The exemplary enhanced variable height arm 10 seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2is further substantially enclosed by a lower cover 18, which extendsacross the bottom side 16 b of the arm 10 from the inner end 21 a to theouter end 21 b. In the exemplary enhanced variable height arm 10 seen inFIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3, the lower cover 18 may preferably compriseone or more fastener holes 102, wherein fasteners 104 may typically beused to attach the lower cover 18 to the upper cover 12, e.g. intofastener bosses 110 (FIG. 3) defined in the upper shell 12.

While the enhanced variable height arm 10 seen in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, andFIG. 3 shows exemplary fasteners 104 for connecting the opposing shells12,18 to each other, other embodiments may alternately provide othermeans for attachment, such as hidden snaps, latches, detents, ridges, orother retainers, such as for any of reducing manufacturing cost,improving assembly quality, reducing contamination during use, and/orimproving cleanability for the enhanced variable height arm 10.

The exemplary lower cover 18 seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 further comprisesan inner opening 26 associated with the adjuster box 30, and an outeropening 22 associated with the mount arm 32. An outer cover 24 providescoverage within the outer opening 22 surrounding the mount arm 32, whilean inner cover 28 provides coverage within the inner opening 26surrounding the extended portions 128,130 (FIG. 4) of the adjuster box30.

As seen in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the enhanced variable height arm 10 maypreferably comprise an outer structure that prevents contamination andallows cleanability, such as in a hospital environment. For example, asseen in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the upper shell 12, the lower cover 18, theouter cover 24 and the inner cover 28 are clean, smooth, and wellenclosed, wherein the moving components exit the bottom 16 b through thecovers 24,28.

In the exemplary enhanced variable height arm 10 seen in FIG. 2 and FIG.3, no fasteners, e.g. 104, are visible on the top 16 a or side 82 a,82 bexposed surfaces. The outer pin 43 and inner pins 44, which typicallyextend through the outer pin holes 84 and inner pin holes 86respectively, may preferably comprise stainless steel, havingsubstantially flat outer surfaces that are flush to the sides of theupper shell 12, such as to be readily cleaned. In alternate embodimentsof the enhanced variable height arm 10, the outer pin 43 and inner pins44 may preferably be retained within the interior 14 of the upper shell12, without the need for outer pin holes 84 and inner pin holes 86.

In some embodiments, the upper shell 12 is comprises a die cast aluminumbody, such as for strength and stiffness, and may further comprise asmooth powder coating 90 (FIG. 2), such as to provide a durableaesthetic finish. The powder coating finish 90 may preferably furthercomprise an antimicrobial additive, e.g. such as but not limited toAlesta® AM powder coatings 90, available through DuPont de Nemours &Co., of Wilmington Del. The top and sides of the upper shell 12 maypreferably comprise a continuous smooth metal surface, such as with nofasteners or plastic covers, and may preferably be free of any gaps,ridges, tight corners or heavy textures that would make cleaningdifficult.

In some embodiments, the lower cover 18 and shield covers 24,28 maypreferably comprise injection molded plastic, such as to provide each ofthe unique contours and shield guide track features. The lower cover 18,shield covers 24,28, and/or other components that comprise plastics, maypreferably comprise polymers that are resistant to any of water,cleaners, disinfectants, and/or other chemicals and solutions. Forexample, some embodiments of the lower cover 18, shield covers 24,28,and/or other components associated with the enhanced variable height arm10 may comprise polymers, such as but not limited to any ofpolypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE), and may further comprise one ormore additives, such as but not limited to any of an antimicrobialadditive or an additive to prevent ultraviolet (UV) degradation. Thechemical compatibility of components may preferably be performed, suchas for any of:

-   -   ASTM D543□6 standards;    -   determination of loss of mechanical strength; and/or    -   inspection for any of cracking or crazing that may reduce        surface cleanability.

The outer cover shield 24 and the inner cover shield 28 may preferablycomprise slidable and flexible elements, such as to substantially sealthe outer cover opening 22 and the inner cover opening 26, e.g. fordifferent adjustable positions of the mount arm 32 and the adjuster box30. The cover shields 24,28 may preferably be track guided with respectto the lower cover 18, such as by being constrained, e.g. for smoothquiet operation, within channels associated with the lower cover 18.

FIG. 4 is a partial side cutaway view 120 of a portion of an exemplaryenhanced variable height arm 10. FIG. 5 is a detailed side view 140 ofan exemplary adjuster box 30. FIG. 6 is a partial assembly view 160 ofan adjuster box 30 and adjuster block 60 for an exemplary enhancedvariable height arm 10.

As seen in FIG. 4, a pivot point 41 at the base of gas spring 36 isadjustably constrained within a curved slot 40, such as to adjustablyprovide counterbalancing for different weights and/or differentpositions, e.g. such as for but not limited to support for a monitor,display screen or other device 252 (FIG. 10). While some prior artsystems have linear adjustment between a plurality of positions for abias element, such systems fail to provide adequate adjustability ofcounterbalancing for different loads, i.e. an applied force 33. Incontrast, the enhanced variable height arm structure 10 provides anon-linear or curved path 40 for the bias element 36, which cancompensate for any of different loads 33, system geometry, springprogressivity, or any combination thereof, in a way that a linear pathcannot provide.

The exemplary adjuster box 30 seen in FIG. 4 comprises a main body 126,a lower body 128 that extends from the main body 126, and a lowerextension 130 that extends further from the lower body 128, such as toprovide means for connection to an extension arm 246 (FIG. 10, FIG. 14).As also seen in FIG. 4, one or more side shields 138 may be located onopposite sides of the main body 126 of the adjuster box 30 within theinterior region 14 of the upper shell 12.

One or more strut support tangs 129 extend from the main body 126, andhave upper pivot holes defined therethrough, through which an innerstrut pin 64 is pivotably attached to the strut 34. A plurality of lowersupport tangs 124 extend from the main body 126, wherein a centralhollow arc support region 122 may be defined there between. One or morecurved, non-linear, arcuate, or radial arc slots 40 are also definedthrough the main body 126, such as comprising a pair of opposing slots40 defined through opposing lower support tangs 124.

The exemplary adjuster box 30 seen in FIG. 4 comprises a pivotadjustment mechanism 50, wherein the position 150 of the bias element 36may controllably be adjusted 174 (FIG. 6). For example, an adjusterblock 60, having a threaded hole 142, is located within the centralhollow arc support region 122. As seen in FIG. 6, the adjuster block 60also comprises an adjuster block slot 162 defined therethrough, whichmay preferably comprise a linear slot 162, e.g. such as horizontal orinclined.

The adjuster block 60 is threadably engageable to an adjustment screw 52having threads 140, which extends through the adjuster box 30, and isadjustable 174, such as by a tool 170 (FIG. 6), wherein the tool maypreferably comprise any of a socket, hex key, screwdriver, or otherdriver, e.g. a Torx® driver. The internal counterbalance of the enhancedvariable height arm 10 may therefore be adjusted, so that the load maybe moved with minimal force by the end user. In some embodiments of theenhanced variable height arm 10, the bias element 36 comprises a gasspring 36, which provides smooth motion and a flatter spring rate. Inone current embodiment of the arm 10, the maximum force required to movea mounted device 252 is about 5 lbf. up or down, with no drift orunwanted movement when under small loads, such as when typing andtouching the screen.

Rotation 174 of the adjustment screw 52 results in vertical movement ofthe adjuster block 60. For example, tightening 174 s of the adjustmentscrew 52 results in downward movement 164 d (FIG. 6) of the adjusterblock 60, wherein the base pivot 41 moves generally downward betweenpositions 150 within the curved slot 40, and generally forward, i.e.away from the screw 152, to an intersecting position 166 of the adjusterblock slot 162. Similarly, loosening 174 u of the adjustment screw 52results in upward movement 164 u (FIG. 6) of the adjuster block 60,wherein the base pivot 41 moves generally upward between positions 150within the curved slot 40, and generally backward, i.e. toward the screw152, to an intersecting position 166 of the adjuster block slot 162.

The enhanced variable height arm 10 is therefore readily adjustable,such as before or after installation within a mount structure 300, e.g.300 a (FIG. 14). For example, an enhanced variable height arm 10 may be:

-   -   pre-adjusted, such as based on a preselected load;    -   adjusted during or after installation; and/or    -   readjusted, such as for any of fine tuning adjustment, changing        an attached load, or adjusting to compensate for any of age or        wear.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view 180 of an arm strut structure assembly 20associated with an exemplary enhanced variable height arm 10. FIG. 8 isa side view 200 of an arm strut structure assembly 20 associated with anexemplary enhanced variable height arm 10, wherein the gas spring basepivot 41 is located in a position 150, e.g. 150 a, in relation to anadjuster box 30. FIG. 9 is a side view 220 of an arm strut structureassembly 20 associated with an exemplary enhanced variable height arm10, wherein the gas spring pivot 41 is located in an alternate position150, e.g. 150 k, in relation to an adjuster box 30. As seen in FIG. 6and FIG. 8, a tool 170 may readily be applied to adjust the mechanicaladvantage applied to the arm structure 20 by the bias element 36, byturning the adjuster screw 52, which moves 164, e.g. 164 u,164 d, theadjuster block 60 parallel to the adjuster screw 52 due to theengagement of threads 140,142, and moves the base pivot 41 within thecurved or non-linear slot 40, as well as within the adjuster block slot162.

FIG. 10 shows geometry 240 associated with an exemplary enhancedvariable height arm 10 within an exemplary mounting environment, such aswithin a mounting system 300, e.g. 300 a (FIG. 14). For example, a lowerextension arm 246 may be pivotably mounted to a lower mount 242. In theexemplary structure seen in FIG. 10, the variable height arm 10 ispivotably mounted to the extension arm 246, such as through the lowerextension 130 of the adjuster box 30. As also seen in FIG. 10, a monitor252 is mountable to the mount arm 32 of the enhanced variable height arm10, such as through a monitor extension mount 250. The exemplaryenhanced variable height arm 10 provides a plurality of positions, suchas to control the incline angle 254 of the monitor 252. The exemplaryenhanced variable height arm 10 shown schematically in FIG. 10 has alength of approximately 8.5 inches, and is adjustable upward and/ordownward from horizontal, e.g. from about 45 degrees upward, yieldingupward movement of about 6 inches above horizontal, to about 45 degreesdownward, yielding downward movement of about 6 inches below horizontal.The exemplary structure seen in FIG. 10 provides an approximateclearance of about 4 inches between the mount surface of the attachedmonitor 252 and the center of the mount arm 32.

The first extension arm 246 typically comprises a solid arm having afixed height and span. For example, FIG. 10 shows an exemplary fixedextension arm 246 having a span of about 7 inches, and a height of about10 to 14 inches over a mount location, e.g. such as including a lowermount 242 having an exemplary height of about 3 inches.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view 270 of an exemplary enhanced variableheight arm 10 in a generally upward position 272, e.g. 272 a, based upona position 150 defined by the base pivot 41 (FIG. 6). FIG. 12 is aperspective view 280 of an exemplary enhanced variable height arm 10 ina generally horizontal position 272, e.g. 272 e. FIG. 13 is aperspective view 290 of an exemplary enhanced variable height arm 10 ina generally downward position 272, e.g. 272 k.

Mounting Structures. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a mountingstructure 300, e.g. 300 a, having an exemplary enhanced variable heightarm 10 in a generally downward position 272, e.g. 272 k. FIG. 15 is aperspective view 320 of a mounting structure 300 a having an exemplaryenhanced variable height arm 10 in a generally horizontal position 272,e.g. 272 e. FIG. 16 is a perspective view 340 of a mounting structure300 a having an exemplary enhanced variable height arm 10 in a generallyupward position 272, e.g. 272 a.

The components of the mounting structures 300 other than the variableheight arm 10 may preferably comprise similar construction and materialsas the variable height arm 10, such to avoid contamination and provideenhanced cleanability. For example, the top and sides of the extensionarm 246 may preferably comprise a continuous smooth metal surface, suchas with no fasteners or plastic covers, and may preferably be free ofany gaps, ridges, tight corners or heavy texture that would makecleaning difficult.

Within a typical mounting system 300 having an enhanced variable heightarm 10, the screen tilt may preferably be adjustable, such as between 20degrees above and below vertical. In some embodiments, this range ofadjustment is retained at any point within in the range of motion of thearm 10. The tilt mechanism may preferably rely on friction, wherein noadditional counterbalance in the tilt mechanism is necessary. Within atypical mounting system 300 having an enhanced variable height arm 10,the screen may preferably be swiveled by as much as 90 to either side,wherein the tilt/swivel mechanism, e.g. 250, at the front of the arm 10may preferably be prevented from marring or otherwise contacting theenhanced variable height arm 10 at the limits of this rotation.

The monitor interface 314, such as seen in FIG. 14, may preferablyaccommodate either or both 75 mm and 100 mm VESA hole patterns, such asbased on Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) Flat DisplayMounting Interface (FDMI) Standards, e.g. VESA FDMI□2006.

Adjustment of an Enhanced Variable Height Arm. FIG. 17 is a flowchart ofan exemplary process 400 associated with in situ adjustment ofcounterbalancing for an enhanced variable height arm 10. For example, anenhanced variable height arm 10 is typically provided 402, which mayhave been previously adjusted 174 (FIG. 6), such as based upon anintended installation 300. In some embodiments, the enhanced variableheight arm 10 is installed 404, such as with other associated hardwareand an attached load 252, e.g. a monitor 252. The screw mechanism 52 forthe enhanced variable height arm 10 is readily adjusted 406 to providedesired counterbalancing at a desired position 272, such as by turningthe adjuster screw 52, which moves 164, e.g. 164 u,164 d, the adjusterblock 60 parallel to the adjuster screw 52 due to the engagement ofthreads 140,142, and moves the base pivot 41 within the curved ornon-linear slot 40, as well as within the adjuster block slot 162.

While the exemplary enhanced variable height arm 10 is described hereinas comprising a pivot adjustment mechanism 50 comprising an adjustmentscrew that engages an adjustment block 60 to move the pivot within thecurved or non-linear slot 40, it should be understood that alternatemechanisms 50 may suitably be implemented to adjustably position thebase pivot 41 at a desired position 150 within the curved or non-linearslot 40. For example, in a simplified arm structure 10, the base pivot41 may comprise a bolt or screw 41 that may be tightened at a desiredposition 150 with respect to the curved or non-linear slot 40.

Cleaning of Enhanced Variable Height Arm. FIG. 18 is a flowchart of anexemplary process 440 associated with in situ cleaning for an enhancedvariable height arm 10. For example, once an enhanced variable heightarm 10 is placed 442 into service, the enhanced structure inherentlyreduces 444 attachment or buildup of contaminants. As desired, a user,e.g. such as but not limited to hospital personnel, may apply cleanerand/or wipe down 446 the enhanced structure 10, whereby the enhancedstructure is readily cleaned.

The enhanced variable height arm 10 may readily be used within a widevariety of mounting structures 300. For example, the enhanced variableheight arm 10 is readily implemented for healthcare institutions thatmay need to ergonomically position a flat screen or small monitor 252,wherein the enhanced variable height arm 10 provides a highly cleanableand durable solution for mounting to a wall, a countertop, a worksurface, or a movable structure.

FIG. 19 is a schematic view 460 of a mounting structure 300 b having anexemplary enhanced variable height arm 10, wherein the structure 300 bis configured for connection to a channel 464. As seen in FIG. 19, anintermediate channel mount 462 may be adapted to directly or indirectlyconnect to a channel 464, such as but not limited to a stationarychannel 464, on a wall of a patient room, or a channel 464 associatedwith a movable structure. An exemplary wall channel 464 is availablethrough GCX, Inc., of Petaluma, Calif. The channel mount 462 maypreferably be positioned or moved to any position along the channel 464,such as to a desired vertical position, or to a desired horizontalposition, e.g. with respect to a work surface, such as for a appropriatesurface having a thickness that may range from ⅜″ to 2.5″ thick. In somesystem embodiments 300, the channel 464 may be either clamped orthru□bolted.

FIG. 20 is a schematic view 480 of a mounting structure 300 c having anexemplary enhanced variable height arm 10, wherein the structure isconfigured for connection to a work surface 484, cart or a desk 486. Forexample, an enhanced variable height arm 10 may be fixedly or pivotablymounted to an intermediate mount 482, which may be fixed in relation toa cart or desk 486. Therefore, an enhanced variable height arm 10 mayreadily allow a flat panel display 252 to be mounted to a tabletop ordesk, such as within a hospital or office environment. The enhancedvariable height arm 10 may preferably be used to position a screen 252off of the table or work surface 484, and may further provide someergonomic adjustment, such as for any of height adjustment, side□to□sideadjustment, screen tilt adjustment, and/or swivel adjustment. As seen inFIG. 10, wherein a mounting system 300 comprises an enhanced variableheight arm 10 mounted to an extension arm 246, the combined structureallows arms 10,246 to be rotated with respect to each other, such as toprovide fore□aft adjustment.

While the monitor 252 shown in FIG. 14, FIG. 15, and FIG. 16 isconfigured to be attached to a rear monitor bracket 314, other monitors252 may require mounting from an alternate position. For example, FIG.21 is a schematic view 500 of a mounting structure 300 d having anexemplary enhanced variable height arm 10, wherein an intermediatemonitor mount 316 b is configured for connection to a monitor 252 havinga bottom mount 502.

FIG. 22 is a schematic view 520 of a mounting structure 300 e having anexemplary enhanced variable height arm 10 and a rear extension arm 246,wherein the structure 300 e is configured for connection to a channel464, or to a wall, such as through a bracket 462. While the exemplaryrear extension arm 246 seen in FIG. 22 provides a generally horizontalextension 246, it should be understood that the extension arm 246 mayalternately be configured for any of a wide variety of angles, and mayitself be adjustable. The mounting structure 300 e may readily belaterally adjusted as desired, such as to pivot the extension arm 246with respect to the channel 464 and/or wall, to pivot the variableheight arm 10 with respect to the extension arm 246, and/or to pivot thescreen 252, e.g. through mount 316 a, with respect to the enhancedvariable height arm 10.

The enhanced variable height arm 10 may preferably be used for a widerange of devices 252, such as for but not limited to patient monitors,flat panel displays, and/or keyboard workstations. The enhanced variableheight arm 10 may preferably be installed within a wide variety ofhospital settings, such as but not limited to EDs, medical surgeryfacilities, intensive care units (ICU), operating rooms, testlaboratories, dispensaries, offices, and/or common areas. The enhancedvariable height arm 10 may preferably be mounted to a wall of a hospitalor clinic, or adapted to an architectural headwall, column, rail system,or anesthesia machine. For example, the enhanced variable height arm 10may preferably be installed within a nurse's central station or atelemetry multi-screen viewing area, to provide several years ofservice, regular adjustment and use, while being cleaned regularly.

While the enhanced variable height arm 10 may preferably be implementedwithin a wide variety of mounting environments, some embodiments of theenhanced variable height arm 10 may preferably be integrated forspecific products, such as for original equipment manufacturer (OEM)devices. For example, any of size, load range, height adjustment range,materials, and/or coatings may preferably be integrated for an intendedapplication, and the enhanced variable height arm 10 may be preadjusted,based on the intended device and application.

A rear extension arm 246 may preferably be integrated with the enhancedvariable height arm 10 for a wide variety of installations. For example,for a table□mount system 300, a rear extension arm 246 may preferablyextend upward from the surface of the table to minimize contact withpapers and objects on the table when the arm is moved. For a wall□mountsystem, a rear extension arm 246 may preferably be installed in ahorizontal configuration. The rear extension arm 246 is typicallylocated below the enhanced variable height arm 10, between the enhancedvariable height arm 10 and a fixed mount location, wherein the enhancedvariable height arm 10 is fully rotatable over the extension arm 246.

While some embodiments of the enhanced variable height arm 10 do notrequire positive locking for any of the adjustments, some currentembodiments of enhanced mount systems may preferably provide adjustablefriction at one or more points, such as for any of:

-   -   screen tilt;    -   screen swivel;    -   arm□extension pivot; and/or    -   extension□base pivot.

The friction may preferably be adjustable continuously, such as fromfree□moving to essentially locked at each point. Adjustment of thefriction may preferably be adjustable with common hand tools, e.g. hexkeys or screwdriver, without disassembly of the arm 10.

While the enhanced variable height arm 10 may preferably provide manyyears and/or thousands of cycles of use and movement, adjustment ofposition, counterbalancing, and/or friction may readily be performed tocompensate for wear or aging.

As well, while the enhanced variable height arm 10 and methods of useare schematically described herein, it should be understood thatspecific embodiments of the enhanced variable height arm 10 may suitablyprovide further functionality for specific applications. For example,clips or cable retention means may preferably be provided on someembodiments of the enhanced variable height arm 10, such as to allowcables to be routed along the arm, without kinking during arm movement.As necessary or desired, the enhanced variable height arm 10 maypreferably comply with relevant standards, such as but not limited tomedical electrical standards, e.g. IEC 60601-1. Similarly, wall mountedconfigurations of the arm 10 and mounting structures may preferablycomply with applicable standards, e.g. such as but not limited to OSHPDapproval, and/or compliance with current California Building Codes.

Furthermore, while some of the exemplary embodiments of the enhancedvariable height arm and methods of use are described herein to providestructures for improved cleanability and improved counterbalancing, itshould be understood that one or more of the improvements may beutilized separately. For example, while the slot 40 may preferablycomprise a curved or non-linear slot 40 for some embodiments of theenhanced variable height arm, such as to provide enhanced adjustment ofcounterbalancing, it should be understood that some embodiments of armstructures may provide outer structures that offer improvedcleanability, as disclosed within, without requiring suchcounterbalancing structures. Similarly, embodiments that provideimproved counterbalancing may comprise a wide variety of outer shellstructures.

Although the enhanced variable height arm and methods of use aredescribed herein in connection with monitor support structures within amedical environment, the structures and techniques can be implementedfor a wide variety of applications and environments, or any combinationthereof, as desired.

For example, an enhanced variable height arm can be provided for a widevariety of business, educational, home, recreational, fitness or retailenvironments, wherein enhanced variable height arms can provide supportfor any of monitors, displays, touch screens, or other equipment.

Accordingly, although the invention has been described in detail withreference to a particular preferred embodiment, persons possessingordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains willappreciate that various modifications and enhancements may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the claims that follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A process comprising the steps of: providing anarm structure that includes an upper shell having a top portion thatextends across an upper side of the arm structure from an inner end toan outer end and opposing sides that extend downward from the topportion, a lower cover that extends across a lower side of the armstructure and is fixedly attachable to the opposing sides of the uppershell, wherein the upper shell and the lower cover together form anouter structure having a substantially uninterrupted surface, andwherein an interior region is defined within the outer structure, afirst pivot structure that is pivotably attached to the opposing sidesof the upper shell at the inner end, wherein the first pivot structurecomprises a non-linear slot defined therethrough that resides within theinterior region of the outer structure, and a pivot screw whose head isaccessible from the lower side of the arm structure, a second pivotstructure that is pivotably attached to the opposing sides of the uppershell at the outer end, a strut that extends between and is pivotablyconnected to the first pivot structure and the second pivot structure,and a bias element having a first end that is adjustably constrainedwithin the non-linear slot of the first pivot structure by an adjusterblock that threadably engages the pivot screw and a second end that ispivotably attached to the second pivot structure, wherein each positionwithin the non-linear slot provides adequate adjustability ofcounterbalancing for a different load, system geometry, springprogressivity, or some combination thereof; and adjusting the first endof the bias element at any of a plurality of positions by rotating thepivot screw, which results in vertical movement of the adjuster block towhich the first end of the bias element is connected where the uppershell and the lower cover are fastened together using internal bossesthat are defined on an interior surface of the upper shell.
 2. Theprocess of claim 1, wherein a four-bar linkage is defined between theupper shell, the first pivot structure, the second pivot structure, andthe strut, and wherein the strut and the bias element are housedentirely within the interior region of the outer structure.
 3. Theprocess of claim 1, wherein the first pivot structure extends downwardfrom the upper shell and through a cavity defined in the lower cover. 4.The process of claim 1, wherein the second pivot structure extendsdownward from the upper shell and through a cavity defined in the lowercover.
 5. The process of claim 1, wherein the upper shell comprisesaluminum.
 6. The process of claim 1, wherein an exterior surface of theupper shell is powder coated.
 7. The process of claim 1, wherein thesecond pivot structure is connectable to a monitor.
 8. The process ofclaim 1, wherein the non-linear slot defines a radial arc.
 9. A methodcomprising: providing an arm structure that includes an outer shellcomposed of an upper cover and a lower cover that extend from an innerend to an outer end, wherein the upper cover and the lower cover definean interior region of the arm structure within which a strut element anda bias element are located, a first pivot structure that extends througha first opening in the outer shell and is pivotably attached to theouter shell at the inner end, a second pivot structure that extendsthrough a second opening in the outer shell and is pivotably attached tothe outer shell at the outer end, an inner cover situated within theinterior region of the outer shell that shields at least some of theinterior region exposed by the first opening, an outer cover situatedwithin the interior region of the outer shell that shields at least someof the interior region exposed by the second opening, the strut elementthat extends between and is pivotably connected to the first pivotstructure and the second pivot structure, and the bias element having afirst end that is pivotably attachable to the first pivot structure atany of a plurality of positions and a second end that is pivotablyattachable to the second pivot structure, where the upper cover, thelower cover, the inner cover, and the outer cover together form asubstantially uninterrupted surface; allowing a user to apply a force tothe second pivot structure; and in response to the user applying theforce, adjusting the first end of the bias element to be positioned at aparticular position of the plurality of positions.
 10. The method ofclaim 9, wherein the each of the plurality of positions providescounterbalancing for the arm structure at a different position ororientation.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the bias elementcomprises a gas spring.
 12. The method of claim 9, further comprising:allowing the user to apply a second force to the second pivot structure;and in response to the user applying the second force, adjusting thefirst end of the bias element to be positioned at a second particularposition of the plurality of the positions, wherein the secondparticular position is different than the first particular position. 13.The method of claim 9, further comprising: confining the first end ofthe bias element to the particular position by a bias mount pin thatextends through a slot in the first pivot structure.
 14. The method ofclaim 13, wherein the slot is a non-linear slot.
 15. The process ofclaim 1, wherein rotating the pivot adjustment screw is effected by atool that interfaces with the head of the pivot screw along the lowerside of the arm structure.